STUDENTS RALLY AT MASSACHUSETTS STATE HOUSE

STCC Students at March 8 Rally for Public Higher Education at the State House in Boston:

Back Row: Angelina Cavallini, Daniel Murphy, Sheila Colon, Joseph Kakley, Jonathan Santos

Middle Row: Richard Calderon, Micki Betton, Rose Hill, Denise Moore

Front Row: Luis Gonzalez, Beverly Wiggins, Andrea Craddy

On March 8, a contingent of STCC students joined hundreds of others from public colleges across the Commonwealth to press for more funding for public higher education.  Organized by PHENOM, the Public Higher Education Network of Massachusetts, demonstrators asked that Massachusetts "be average".  By that they meant that funding per capita in Massachusetts should reach the national median.  At present Massachusetts ranks 46th among the 50 states by this measure.


Speakers at the rally argued that public colleges which are witnessing dramatic increases in student enrollment require more rather than less money from the state government.  Even in a state like Massachusetts noted for its many private colleges, the Great Recession has altered the landscape of higher education.  Students who could once afford a private college are opting for public colleges.  Students who once would have gone to a four year college are choosing community colleges because of their low cost.


The demonstration was organized to coincide with budget season at the State Legislature with the House now considering next year's budget.  Governor Patrick has submitted a level-funded budget for public colleges for fiscal year 2011.  It remains to see how the Legislature will treat the public colleges.  

The March 8 rally on the Boston Commons opposite the State House.